As self-claimed coffee addicts, we always wake up craving that first cup of coffee in the morning. We’re also the first to admit that, after a sleepless, hot summer night, it’s usually a cold, refreshing drink we’re after, instead of the usual hot cup of coffee.
If you’ve been feeling the same as the weather warms up, let us introduce you to our favourite summer drink, and no, it’s not a cocktail! Cold brew coffee is our go-to on a warm summer morning. It’s easy to prepare, keeps in the fridge, has a refreshing taste, all while giving you the coffee hit you desire.
What is cold brew coffee?
Not to be confused with iced coffee, cold brew coffee is prepared by combining your ground coffee beans with room temperature water, and allowing the coffee to brew overnight (or around 12 hours). This process slowly extracts the flavours from the coffee beans, which results in a smooth, full flavoured coffee with reduced acidity and bitterness. The perfectly refreshing summer drink.
What type of grind do I need to make cold brew?
Cold brew coffee requires a coarse grind due to the slow extraction process. If you don’t have a grinder at home, you can purchase any one of our blends or single origins pre-ground, specifically for cold brew. Shop now >
How to prepare cold brew?
There are a few things you will need to prepare your cold brew coffee:- Cold brew pot
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Filtered water
We recommend using a cold brew pot as this is specially designed for making cold brew coffee. A cold brew pot is essentially a jug with an inbuilt filter and they are really affordable. You already know that you need a coarse coffee grind, but you will also need to use filtered water. While the type of water may not seem like a significant factor, it will impact the taste of your coffee.
To prepare your cold brew, follow the instructions provided with your cold brew pot, or follow the instructions below.
- Add you ground coffee beans to the filter
- Pour your filtered water over the coffee, trying to wet the grinds as evenly as possible
- Place the cold brew pot in the fridge, and allow the coffee to steep for around 12-18 hours
- Remove the filter and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
When it comes to how much coffee to use, we recommend starting with a 1:15 coffee to water ratio, i.e. 1 part coffee to 15 parts water. This may be too weak for some coffee drinkers, so you can play with the ratios to suit your own individual taste.
You may wish to add your choice of milk to your cold brew, but we love it straight up or combined with sparkling water for something a little different.
How to store your cold brew
Once your cold brew is ready, store your coffee in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Tips on cleaning your cold brew equipment
With all equipment, we recommend following the instructions provided. For most cold brew pots, this will include:- Removing the filter and washing by hand with hot soapy water
- Hand wash the jug with hot soapy water
It’s important to properly clean your cold brew pot after every use. This will ensure the quality and taste of your coffee, as well as preventing bacteria growth and protecting your health.